Just Like Proper Grown-Ups

'You don't really grow up until you either have a kid or one of your parents dies.'

Glamorously carefree and nearing forty, Tess shows no sign of settling down. That is, until she drops a bombshell on four of her friends: she's pregnant, and has chosen them as godparents.

Yet while they rally round the single mother, each one is struggling to face the realities of adulthood. Sierra may be only twenty-three but her mother is so irresponsible that she's had to grow up fast. Michael is too busy searching for Mrs Right to worry about collecting the essential accessories of spice racks or investment saucepans, while Owen eases the pain of a mid-life identity crisis with a string of unsuitable fianc es. Only Lucy has the trappings and offspring of a proper grown-up, but is terrified of ageing.

On a challenging and hilarious journey through birth, Botox, bad sex and beyond, all five friends must discover that while growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional . . .

“'Utter genius. The funniest, truest and most insightful book about being a parent I have ever read.'”

Sharp, funny and deliciously rude. - Daily Mail

This is a fascinating expose of chaotic relationships, the demands of modern life, and societal preoccupation with youth. A fast-paced and entertaining read. - Image

A well-written, absorbing story, with lots of little touches that make it believable and true to life . . . a great grown-up novel for everyone's who's terrified of growing up (that will be all of us, then)! - Fabulous

A hugely witty read, which will appeal to almost everyone. - The Lady

Immensely enjoyable and easy to read -

Praise for THE PILE OF STUFF AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS - :

Utter genius. The funniest, truest and most insightful book about being a parent I have ever read. - Lisa Jewell

The new I Don't Know How She Does It - Grazia

Christina Hopkinson is an author and journalist whose work has appeared in the Daily Telegraph, Guardian, The Times, Grazia and Red magazine. She lives in London with her husband and three children.

Visit Christina's website at and follow her on Twitter @Xtinahopkinson.

'You don't really grow up until you either have a kid or one of your parents dies.' Glamorously carefree and nearing forty, Tess shows no sign of settling down. That is, until she drops a bombshell on four of her friends: she's pregnant, and has chosen them as godparents.Yet while they rally round the single mother, each one is struggling to face the realities of adulthood. Sierra may be only twenty-three but her mother is so irresponsible that she's had to grow up fast. Michael is too busy searching for Mrs Right to worry about collecting the essential accessories of spice racks or investment saucepans, while Owen eases the pain of a mid-life identity crisis with a string of unsuitable fianc es. Only Lucy has the trappings and offspring of a proper grown-up, but is terrified of ageing.On a challenging and hilarious journey through birth, Botox, bad sex and beyond, all five friends must discover that while growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional . . .

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